Thursday, 15 January 2015

How I Manage My Natural Hair During Harmattan

Ladies!

The Harmattan season is upon us and it's not very pretty especially on our hair - both natural and relaxed.

For some reasons, it totally skipped my mind to tuck my hair in a protective style. Then again, I didn't think the Harmattan would be this intense and I also wanted to learn how to manage my hair. It's more or less a totally new experience but in the last few weeks - so far - I think gotten a hand of it. I've been able to tweak my regimen to suit the period.

Some of which include;

1. Moisturize and seal with a heavy butter.
Usually, I don't seal with heavy butters except on wash days but right now, it's a daily thing. I moisturize with my hair spritz and seal with my whipped shea butter. Anything other than that - in my opinion - is pointless. You need something to help retain moisturise for a longer time. And if you think it would lead to build-up, just clarify more frequently.

2. Co-wash more regularly. This is a no brainer really. Sometimes, the hair spritz isn't just enough. I try to co-wash and in the process, leave some conditioner in my hair before moisturizing. That way I can maximise all of the moisture.

3. Oil Rinsing.
I started this even before the harmattan season and I noticed that it really helped retain moisture plus my hair was softer and shinier so, while thinking over techniques to implement, this came out tops.

4. Moisture-intensive deep conditioning. The weather is absorbing all of the moisture, you need to do all it takes to replace it. Right now, I'm deep conditioning my hair mostly with moisture-intensive conditioners - again, to add moisture.
Dry hair = Breakage.

5. Satin Bonnet.
When I'm not going anywhere, I wear my satin bonnet all day. When I'm out, I wear satin scarves. I don't leave my hair out for any reason. Satin bonnets helps retain moisture even during the day.

I am a lazy naturalista, I stopped lying 2 maself. And thank God my hair is well behaved most of the time. After the first few days I buckled up fast. I moisturise and twist b4 I sleep, followd by a scarf my hair stays moisturised all day the next day. I go everywhere with a scarf coz my hair seems to love dust but you know I'm nt having non of that. But nxt time I'm getting braids.

I honestly jst got braids...although i ddnt call it a day after dat, but things are definitely easier, i do most of d above especially wit my edges which r most delicate of my hair. The GHE method has been my best buddy since dis weather started.

Mehhhn I gave up and put in a protective style. I tried to buckle up but time wasn't on my side (considering how the cold and dark mornings encourage me to stay in bed until the last possible second).This harmattan sef